Your guide to buying a washing machine in Singapore
Wondering which washing machine to buy or how to buy a washing machine?
In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider when buying a washing machine in Singapore, and do a deep dive into the most popular washing machine brands in Singapore (including Samsung washing machines and LG washing machines).
By the end of the guide, you'll be all set to choose the perfect washing machine for your needs.
Ready? Let’s jump right in!
In this article:
Types of washing machines in Singapore
There are two main types of washing machines available in Singapore, including top loading and front loading machines.
It’s pretty self-explanatory:
With top loading washing machines, you load your laundry from the top
With front loading washing machines, you load your laundry from the front
There are many differences between top load and front load machines – the key differences being:
Price
Wash cycle duration
Amount of water and energy used
Top loading washing machines are typically more affordable and have a shorter wash cycle, but they may use more water and energy.
As compared to top load machines, front load washing machines are more energy-efficient and have a larger capacity, but they're usually more expensive.
According to estimates: if you use a front loading washing machine with a load capacity of 7kg, this can save up to 30% more energy than a top loading washing machine with the same capacity.
This translates to $30 to $50 saved per year.
These key differences aside, there are a few more minor differences, which we’ve summarised in the table below:
Feature | Top Load | Front Load |
|---|---|---|
| Stackable with dryer to save space | Cannot be stacked | Can be stacked |
| Ease of loading/unloading | Easy to load and unload | Requires bending down to load and unload |
| Water drainage for mold/mildew prevention | Water can drain more easily | May require additional maintenance to prevent odors |
| Gentleness on clothes | Can be harsher on clothes | Gentler on clothes |
| Lifespan of the machine | Generally shorter lifespan | Generally longer lifespan |
Washing machine capacities
Washing machine capacity = the weight of dry laundry that can fit in the drum.
You might see some product listings saying “washing machine capacity” and others saying “drum capacity”, but they refer to the same thing.
Here, the capacity you need depends on:
Your household size
The frequency of washing
For a small family of 2-3 members, a small washing machine with a capacity of 6-8 kg would be sufficient.
For a larger family, a larger washing machine with a capacity of 10-12 kg would work best.
Washing machine energy efficiency
Why buy an energy efficient washing machine?
Simple – because it’ll use less energy to complete a cycle, saving you money on your utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
In Singapore, washing machines are labeled with energy ratings from 1 to 5 ticks, with 5 ticks being the most energy-efficient.
It’s fairly obvious: the lower the annual energy consumption of the machine, the more energy-efficient it is.
The same goes for water consumption – the lower the water consumption, the more energy-efficient the machine is.
Washing machine features
Washing machines these days come with plenty of useful features, such as:
Steam cleaning
Quick wash
Eco-bubble technology
Allergy setting
Delay start
Smart connectivity (including load sensing and automatic dispensing)
Here’s a quick summary:
Steam cleaning helps to sanitise clothes and kill bacteria
Quick wash lets you wash a small load of clothes quickly (eg within 15 minutes)
Eco-bubble technology dissolves detergent with air + water to create bubbles - these penetrate your clothes more easily to remove dirt and stains
Allergy settings help to remove allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander) from clothes
Delay start allows you to set a time delay between when you load the machine and when it actually starts washing
Smart washing machines allow you to control your wash cycle using an app, and may also come with automatic detergent dispensing and load sensing technology
Washing machine prices in Singapore (+ what are the cheapest washing machines in Singapore?)
How much your washing machine costs will depend on whether it’s top load vs front load, its capacity, and its features.
If you’re looking for top loading washing machines:
6-8kg top loading washing machine: $300 to $600
9kg or larger top loading washing machine: $800 to $1,500
Top loading washing machine with advanced features: $800 to $1,500
If you’re looking for front loading washing machines:
6-8kg front loading washing machine: $600 to $1,000
9kg or larger front loading machine: $1,200 to $2,000
Front loading washing machine with advanced features: $1,200 to $2,000
Be wary of going for the cheapest washing machines in Singapore - these may be less durable, and require more maintenance.
Where to buy washing machines in Singapore
Here’s where you can buy washing machines in Singapore:
Electronics and home appliance stores such as Best Denki, Harvey Norman, Courts, Gain City, and Audio House
Department stores such as Takashimaya and Isetan
Online platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, Qoo10, and Amazon.sg
You can also buy washing machines on Singtel’s website, and pay in interest-free instalments of up to 36 months!
Here are some Samsung washing machines that you can buy via Singtel:
Samsung washing machines in Singapore: Which is the best?
Samsung’s washing machine series includes:
Front load washing machines – capacities include 7kg, 8kg, 8.5kg, 9kg, 9.5kg, 10.5kg, 12kg
Choose between the QuickDrive and EcoBubble technologies – QuickDrive reduces washing time by up to 50% while still maintaining cleaning performance, and EcoBubble generates bubbles that penetrate fabrics more evenly, for a deeper clean
For the average consumer who’s pressed for time (aren’t we all? 😉), we recommend the Samsung QuickDrive™ Front Load Washer.
With QuickDrive, you can get a full load of laundry done in as little as 39 minutes. This lets you spend less time on laundry, and more quality time with your family!
Front load washing machines aside, Samsung also has its top load series:
The top load machines come in capacities including 7.5kg, 8.5kg, 9kg, 11kg, 12kg, 14kg
If you see “with Wobble™” in the product name, it means that it comes with Samsung's Wobble technology - this creates a multi-directional washing flow that is gentler on your clothes, and reduces knots in your laundry)
LG washing machines in Singapore: Which is the best?
Here are LG’s front load washing machines:
These come in capacities of 8kg, 8.5kg, 9kg, 10kg, 10.5kg, 11kg, 13kg
There are some LG front load washing machines that have washing capacities formatted with two numbers – for example, 11/7kg, or 13/8kg. For these, the larger number refers to the maximum washing capacity for regular laundry loads, and the smaller number represents the smaller capacity for bulkier items (eg bedding or curtains).
These washing machines fall in two main categories - Direct drive front load washing machines vs Front load smart washing machines. Direct drive machines are quieter with basic controls and no smart features, and the smart washing machines are louder with more control options and smart features such as remote control, specialised washing cycles, etc.
Moving on to LG’s top load washing machines:
These come in capacities of 8kg, 9kg, 10kg, 11kg, 12kg, 13kg, 16kg, 17kg
They fall in three categories – there are TurboWash machines, SmartInverter machines, and machines with both Turbowash and SmartInverter technologies
TurboWash is a feature that sprays water and detergent directly onto the clothes, resulting in a faster and more thorough wash cycle. The feature saves up to 30 minutes per load.
Smart Inverter is a technology that adjusts the energy consumption of the motor based on the load size and type of fabric being washed. The motors used in Smart Inverter machines are more efficient and durable, and they also produce less vibration.
Washing machine FAQs
Before we close off the article, we’ll discuss some commonly asked questions about washing machines.
Q: Are there mini washing machines in Singapore?
A: Yes, there are!
A mini washing machine is a compact washing machine that is designed for small loads of laundry (5kg or less).
These machines can be used to wash a variety of items, such as clothes, towels, and bedding, and are often used in small living spaces where a full-sized washing machine may not be practical.
An example of a mini washing machine is the LG TWINWash™ Mini Washing Machine.
Here are its specifications:
Capacity of 2.5kg
Dimensions of 64.5 x 36.5 x 75.5 cm (roughly 0.3 to 0.5x the size of a normal washing machine)
Q: How do you look for a durable washing machine?
To determine if a washing machine is durable, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to look out for:
Drum capacity: A machine with a larger drum capacity may be more durable as it puts less stress on the motor and other components. (As a benchmark, a standard drum capacity is around 7kg-8kg).
Energy efficiency: Energy-efficient washing machines tend to be more durable because they put less stress on the motor and components, resulting in less wear and tear.
Warranty: Look for washing machines that come with a warranty. A good warranty period indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product and provides peace of mind in case of any defects.
A final word on buying a washing machine in Singapore
Let's face it - no one likes doing laundry.
However, having a reliable and efficient washing machine can make this chore a lot more bearable.
So, how do you choose the perfect washing machine for you?
Now, you don’t want to buy the fanciest, most expensive washing machine – only to never use its advanced features.
So have a think about your family’s needs, and be honest about your needs vs wants.
From there, you can narrow down your options, and figure out which washing machine is the best for you.
PS: Want to make your washing machine purchase more affordable?
With Singtel PayLater, you can pay for your appliances & devices in instalments of between 12 to 36 months with no interest payments or bank charges on your bill!
